Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: SS Charles S. Price
- Type: Steel Bulk Freighter
- Year Built: 1910
- Builder: American Ship Building Company, Lorain, Ohio
- Dimensions: 504 ft (153.6 m) length; 52 ft (15.8 m) beam; 28 ft (8.5 m) depth
- Registered Tonnage: 6,322 gross tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 23 m / 75 ft
- Location: Southeast of Port Huron, Michigan
- Coordinates: Approx. 43°00'20"N 82°30'20"W
- Official Number: [To be researched]
- Original Owners: [To be researched]
- Number of Masts: None
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The SS Charles S. Price was a modern steel-hulled Great Lakes bulk freighter, powered by a triple-expansion steam engine and built to transport iron ore, grain, and coal. She was part of the American Ship Building Company’s fleet of advanced freighters and represented the state of maritime cargo transport on the lakes in the early 20th century.
Description
The wreck of the SS Charles S. Price is notable for being the first large Great Lakes shipwreck discovered floating upside down. The vessel was lost during the Great Lakes Storm of 1913, which caused significant damage and loss of life across the region.
History
On her final voyage, the Charles S. Price was en route from Ashtabula, Ohio, to Fort William, Ontario, with a full load of coal. She was caught in the Great Lakes Storm of 1913—an unprecedented cyclonic storm that sank or damaged over 40 vessels and took more than 250 lives.
She disappeared on 9 November 1913, and the following morning an inverted steel freighter was discovered floating on the lake. Its identity was unknown, sparking widespread press coverage. After several days, divers and observers confirmed it as the Charles S. Price—making her the first large Great Lakes shipwreck discovered floating upside down.
Significant Incidents
- 9 November 1913: SS Charles S. Price lost during the Great Lakes Storm.
- 10 November 1913: Wreck discovered floating inverted.
Final Disposition
Eventually the overturned wreck settled on the bottom in 70–75 ft (21–23 m) of water southeast of Port Huron. The hull remains largely intact, and the wreck is well known in regional dive and maritime history communities.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is marked on nautical charts as a known site. Divers should be aware of cold water, strong currents, and entanglement hazards typical of wrecks in Lake Huron.
Access is by boat, with entry points southeast of Port Huron. Conditions include cold water, occasional strong currents, and moderate visibility.
Resources & Links
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All 28 crew members were lost in the tragedy. Memorials may be found in regional records and on Find A Grave. Additional research is needed to list crew names. Remember to respect the site and leave only bubbles, taking only memories.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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